JP2017523926A - Apparatus and method for stitching leading and trailing ends of tire parts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stitching, the apparatus including a separator for separating a tip and a terminal end from a work surface at a separation position to form a separation space, the apparatus from the separation space. The apparatus includes a stitcher foot that includes a stitcher foot that supports the tip and end portions, and a stitcher head for stitching the tip and end portions on the stitcher foot from outside the separation space. During stitching, the stitcher drive for driving the stitcher and the separator drive for retracting the separator are simultaneously driven so that the separator is pulled in the stitching direction in front of the stitcher. And a control unit for controlling.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stitching the tip of a tire part along the splice line to the end of the same or other tire part.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,600 A discloses that a first belt-like member is wound around a forming drum and then a second belt-like member is around the first belt-like member in the forming drum. Disclosed is a method and apparatus that is wound. The front end portion and the rear end portion of each belt-like member are joined by butt splicing. The unslicked rubber of both belt-like members is strongly bonded to each other at the point of contact. Prior to joining, in order to prevent the second belt-like member from adhering to the first belt-like member at the butt line, the front end and the terminal end are in the form of a triangular prism on each side of the auxiliary bar. I can receive it. Each gripping claw is inserted between the auxiliary bar and each tip and end, and grips the tip and end at a plurality of spaced positions along the tip and end. The tip and end are subsequently lifted from the auxiliary bar, the latter being removed upwards. The tip and end can now be brought into butt contact together by each gripping claw.

  When these gripping claws are used to move the front end portion and the end portion to abut each other, the front end portion and the end portion of the belt-like member undulate along the abutting line. Therefore, the disadvantages of the known methods and devices are that the tip and end overlap at some positions along the butt line, but the tip and end at each other position along the butt line. The parts are at a certain distance from each other. Although the leading and trailing ends of the belt-like member can be joined by a joining roller to form a cylindrical member, the resulting joint is not of constant quality along the butt line.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for improving the quality of a splice in an apparatus and method for stitching the tip of a tire part to the same or other end of a tire part along a splice line. Is the purpose.

  According to the first aspect, the present invention provides the same or other tires with the tip end of the tire component along the splice line above the work surface arranged to support each one or two tire components. An apparatus for stitching to a terminal end of a component, wherein the apparatus includes a separator for separating a tip and a terminal end from a work surface in a separation position to form a separation space, The apparatus is arranged to support the tip and end on the stitcher foot from the outside of the separation space and the stitcher foot arranged to support the tip and end on the splice line from the separation space. And a stitcher portion having a leading end portion at the end portion. A stitcher drive for driving the stitching part in the stitching direction along the splice line, and a separator drive coupled to the separator for retracting the separator in the stitching direction parallel to the splice line. The apparatus further includes a controller that is operatively connected to the separator drive and the stitcher drive and arranged to control simultaneously so that the separator is pulled in the stitching direction forward of the stitcher during stitching. .

  This separator can effectively separate the front end portion and the end end portion from the work surface and prevent adhesion of each end portion to the work surface prior to stitching. Just prior to this stitching, the tip and end can be transferred from the retractable separator into the advance stitcher. The pull-in separator can be held in front of the forward stitcher during stitching so that the separator does not interfere with the stitching operation of the stitcher.

  In one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to control the stitcher drive to move the stitcher unit at a certain stitching speed in the stitching direction, where the control unit is equal to the stitching speed of the stitcher unit. Arranged to control the separator drive during stitching to retract the separator in the stitching direction at or above a higher pulling speed. Thus, the separator can be held in front of the stitcher portion in the stitching direction during the entire stitching.

  In an alternative embodiment, the stitcher head engages the tip and end to be driven at a certain rotational speed, and at the stitching speed in the stitching direction, along the stitching line, the end And a set of upper stitching wheels arranged to pull the stitcher over the tip. Therefore, the stitching speed can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of each upper stitching roller.

  In that embodiment, the stitcher drive includes a first drive member arranged to hold the stitcher portion and a second drive member to hold the first drive member. The stitcher drive further includes a retract drive for retracting the second drive member in the stitching direction at a certain drive speed, and the control unit retracts the second drive member at a certain drive speed and drives the drive. Operatively connected to the separator drive and the retraction drive to retract the separator at a retraction speed equal to or substantially equal to the speed, the first drive member during the stitching and the stitcher portion and one or more tires As a result of the variable resistance between the parts, against the second drive member The assembly is movable back and forth relative to the first drive member in the stitching direction to absorb the difference in stitching speed of the teacher, and the assembly is such a speed difference or position of the first drive member relative to the second drive member. One or more sensors for detecting the control, and the control unit controls the stitching by, for example, controlling the drive speed of the second drive member and / or the rotational speed of each upper stitching wheel. Arranged to compensate for differences in speed. As a result, each variation in the stitching speed can be compensated by changing the drive speed of the second drive member.

  In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the separator drive and the stitcher drive to maintain the separator with a constant or substantially constant clearance in front of the stitcher in the stitching direction during stitching. Has been. By maintaining this clearance constant, the tire component can be prevented from starting to loosen or loosen in the unsupported clearance between the separator and the stitcher portion.

  In an embodiment, the stitcher portion and the separator are arranged so as not to support the tip portion and the terminal portion in the clearance between the stitcher portion and the separator during the stitching. By maintaining the clearance between the separator and the stitcher part, it is possible to prevent the separator from interfering with the stitching operation of the stitcher part.

In some embodiments, the clearance between the stitcher and the separator is minimal during stitching. Thus, loosening of the tire parts between the separator and the stitcher portion can be prevented as much as possible. This is particularly obtained when the clearance between the stitcher and the separator during the stitching is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, and most preferably less than 2 cm.
In one embodiment, the separator is positioned to separate the tip and end from the work surface over a separation distance in a direction perpendicular to the work surface, where the stitcher foot is the same vertical. It has a certain height in the direction, and this separation distance is equal to or greater than the height of the stitcher foot. Thus, this stitcher foot is in the separation space between the work surface and the splice line to support the tip and end from within the separation space without touching and / or damaging the work surface. Can be inserted into.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the separator is a rigid body or a substantially rigid body. Thus, the separator can accurately, reliably and / or rigidly support the tip and end at or near the splice line.

  In that embodiment, the separator is a bar or strip. Bars or strips can be effectively used to coat the work surface at the splice line.

  In a preferred embodiment, the separator drive is coupled to the separator to retract the separator in the direction of stitching in translation. By translating the separator in the stitching direction, the separator can be drawn parallel to the splice line. Thus, this separator can support the front end portion and the end portion closely in front of the stitcher portion. Furthermore, the rigid separator can be easily moved into and out of the separation position by simply pulling or pushing the separator in succession.

  In an alternative embodiment, the separator is flexible. The flexible separator can follow the work surface more closely.

  In particular, the separator is a flexible band arranged to be folded in two along the splice line. By folding the flexible band in half, it can be retracted by retracting it with one of its ends. More particularly, the separator drive is coupled to one end of the flexible band and retracts the flexible band in the stitching direction by retracting one end of the flexible band.

  According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly of a tire building drum and apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work surface is a tire building drum. Or the outer surface of a further tire component supported on the peripheral surface of the tire building drum. Thus, the separator can be used to create a certain separation distance between a work surface and the tip and end to be stitched so that the tip and end can be subsequently engaged by the stitcher. it can. Thus, this separator allows the leading and trailing ends to be stitched above the cylindrical work surface.

  In that embodiment, the tire building drum has an axis of rotation, wherein the circumferential surface of the tire building drum extends concentrically about the axis of rotation, and the splice line is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Extending in parallel. Thus, this separator can be drawn along the splice line of the tire building drum and / or parallel to its axis of rotation.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides the same or other tip of the tire component along the splice line above the work surface, which is arranged to support each one or two tire components. Provides a method for stitching to the end of a tire part, where the method is:
Supplying a separator;
Separating the front end and the terminal end from the work surface at a separation position using a separator to form a separation space;
Supply a stitcher section with a stitcher foot and a stitcher head;
Use the stitcher foot at the splice line from the separation space to support the tip and end, and stitch the tip and end on the stitcher foot from the outside of the separation space,
Driving the stitcher in the stitching direction along the splice line, while the stitcher stitches the tip to the end;
Each step of drawing the separator in the stitching direction in front of the stitcher portion is included.

  In addition, the separator can effectively separate the front end portion and the terminal end portion from the work surface, and can prevent adhesion of each end portion to the work surface prior to stitching. Just prior to this stitching, the tip and end can be transferred from the retractor separator into the advance stitch. This retracting separator can be held in front of the forward stitcher during sting so that the separator does not interfere with the sting action of the stitcher.

  In a preferred embodiment of the method, the separator is retracted in the stitching direction at a retracting speed, wherein the stitcher is moved in the stitching direction at the stitching speed, the separator is at least equal to the stitching speed, And preferably it is drawn in using a higher drawing speed. Thus, the separator can be held in front of the stitcher portion in the stitching direction during the entire stitching.

  In an alternative embodiment of the method, the stitcher head includes a set of upper stitching wheels that engage the tip and end and are driven at a rotational speed and are in the stitching direction. At the stitching speed, the stitcher is pulled along the stitching line across the end and the tip. Therefore, the stitching speed can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of each upper stitching roller.

  In that embodiment, the stitcher drive includes a first drive member that holds the stitcher portion and a second drive member that holds the first drive member, where the second drive member is The separator is retracted in the stitching direction at a certain drive speed, and the separator is retracted in the stitching direction at a retracting speed equal to or substantially equal to the drive speed, and the first drive member is one of As a result of further variable resistance with the tire part, the second drive member moves back and forth with respect to the first drive member in the stitching direction to absorb the difference in stitching speed of the stitcher portion with respect to the second drive member. Such a speed difference of the first drive member relative to two drive members Rui position is detected, and the drive speed of the second drive member is controlled to compensate for differences in the Institut quenching speed. As a result, each variation in the stitching speed can be compensated.

  In a further embodiment of the method, the separator is held during the stitching with a constant or substantially constant clearance in front of the stitcher in the stitching direction. By keeping this clearance constant, it is possible to prevent the tire component from starting to loosen or loosen in the unsupported clearance between the separator and the stitcher portion.

  In a preferred embodiment of the method, the tip and end are not supported in the clearance between the stitcher and the separator during stitching. By maintaining the clearance between the separator and the stitcher part, it is possible to prevent the separator from interfering with the stitching operation of the stitcher part.

  In particular, the clearance between the stitcher and the separator is minimal during stitching. Thus, loosening of the tire parts between the separator and the stitcher can be prevented as much as possible. This is particularly obtained when the clearance between the stitcher part and the separator during stitching is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, most preferably less than 2 cm.

  The various aspects and features described and shown herein can be applied individually wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular, each aspect and each feature recited in each appended dependent claim, can be the subject of a respective divided patent application.

  The invention will become apparent on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a tire building drum and apparatus assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention during a first step of a method for stitching a tip to a tail. FIG. 2 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 during subsequent steps of the method for stitching the tip to the end. FIG. 3 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 during subsequent steps of the method for stitching the tip to the end. FIG. 4 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 during subsequent steps of the method for stitching the tip to the end. FIG. 5 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 during each subsequent step of the method for stitching the tip to the end. FIG. 6 shows details of the assembly according to circle V in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a side view of the assembly according to FIG. FIG. 8 shows details of the assembly according to the circle in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an alternative assembly of a tire building drum and an alternative device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows an alternative assembly of a tire building drum and an alternative device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A shows a further alternative assembly of a tire building drum and an alternative device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B shows a further alternative assembly of a tire building drum and an alternative device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  1 to 8 show a tire building drum 2 for receiving one or more tire parts, a separator 4 for separating one or more tire parts from a work surface W, and a butt line or splice line. A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a device 3 with a stitcher portion 5 for joining, joining or stitching one or more tire parts along S 1 shows an assembly 1 according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the tire building drum 2 includes a central shaft 21 that determines a rotation axis R about which the tire building drum 2 is rotatable. The tire building drum 2 further includes a circumferential surface 22 that extends circumferentially and / or concentrically about the rotation axis R. The peripheral surface 22 is arranged to receive one or more tire components, such as an inner liner 91 and a body ply 92. In this example, the inner liner 91 has been provided with side walls 94, 95 to form a so-called pre-assembly. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the tire parts is wound around the circumferential surface 22 in a manner known per se and is butt joined together along the splice line S, spliced from the butt, and more spliced. Alternatively, it has a front end LE and a terminal end TE to be stitched. In this example, the splice line S of the body ply 92 extends in parallel to the rotation axis R or substantially in parallel. The inner liner 91 is typically applied directly to the peripheral surface 91, although the body ply 92 is applied around the inner liner 91. Thus, the body ply 92 exists in the radial direction outside the inner liner 91 with respect to the rotation axis R. Optionally, a further body ply (not shown) may be applied around this body ply 92. The body ply 92 includes an untanned rubber that adheres strongly to each other tire component as soon as it comes into contact.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 8, the separator 4 includes one tip LE of each tire component and the same or other tire components directly from the work surface W directly below or radially inward of the tip portion LE and the end portion TE. Are arranged in order to separate one terminal portion TE. In this example, the front end portion LE and the terminal end portion TE are both the same body ply 92. Since the body ply 92 is disposed around the inner liner 91 and / or the pre-assembly, the work surface W directly below or radially inward of the second body ply 93 is provided on the inner liner 91 and / or the pre-assembly. The outer surface in the radial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the separator 4 may be used to separate the tip LE and end TE of the further body ply (not shown) from the body ply 92, in which case the body plies An outer surface in the radial direction of the ply 92 is a work surface W. In a further alternative embodiment, for example, when this body ply 92 is applied directly to the tire building 2, the work surface W may be just the peripheral surface 22 of the tire building 2. However, the following description is based on an exemplary situation where the leading end LE and the terminating end TE of the body ply 92 are separated from the work surface W formed by the internal liner 91.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the separator 4 is movable onto the work surface W within the separation position. The separator 4 can be drawn from the work surface W in the stitching direction A parallel to the splice line S from the separation position shown in FIG. 2 to the drawing position shown in FIG. Preferably, the separator 4 moves on the work surface W in the arrangement direction B that faces the stitching direction A and is parallel to the splice line S. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 3 includes a separator drive 6 coupled to the separator 4 for retracting the separator 4 at a certain pulling speed V1 in a stitching direction A parallel to the splice line S. The separator drive 6 is preferably also arranged to move the separator 4 on the work surface W in the arrangement direction B. The separator drive 6 drives the separator 4 linearly or in translation in the stitching direction A and / or the arrangement direction B.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembly 1 includes a plurality of guides 45 for guiding and / or supporting the separator 4 above the work surface W and along the splice line S. Each guide 45 is preferably positioned at or near the separating and retracting positions to prevent slack of the separator 4 relative to the splice line S.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the separator 4 includes a rigid bar or strip 40 with an elongated body 41 extending in a longitudinal direction L parallel to the splice line S. As best shown in FIG. 8, the elongated elongated body 41 covers the work surface W in the splice area C that extends directly below and on both sides of the splice line S. The elongated main body 41 includes a support surface 42 facing away from the work surface W. In this example, the elongated main body 41 has a substantially triangular cross section with a support surface 42 being formed by two sides of the triangular cross section. Each side of the support surface 42 is arranged to receive and / or support one of the front end LE and the end TE.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the leading end LE and the terminal end TE of the second body ply 93 are at a distance from the work surface W in the radial direction of the tire building drum 2 toward or away from the splice line S. It is supported by the separator 4. In particular, the separator 4 extends above the work surface W and in a direction N perpendicular to the work surface W at a separation distance D, where the front end portion LE and the end portion TE are separated from the work surface W at least over the separation distance D. doing. Separation of the tip portion LE and the end portion TE by the separator 4 over the separation distance D creates or forms a separation space G between the work surface W and both the tip portion LE and the end portion TE. As a result, the front end portion LE and the end portion TE including the area of the body ply 92 on each side of the front end portion LE and the end portion TE are separated from the work surface W. By separating the tip portion LE and the end portion TE from the work surface W prior to the stitching, the tip portion LE and the end portion TE are separated from the work surface W by the separated tip portion LE and the separated end portion. It can be operated by the stitcher unit 5 without the part TE.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the front end portion LE and the terminal end portion TE are received on the separator 4 while being slightly separated from the splice line S on each opposite side of the splice line S. Thus, the tip portion LE and the end portion TE leave a gap in the splice line S prior to stitching.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stitcher portion 5 is movable from within the separation space G created by the separator 4 into a support position that supports and / or engages the tip portion LE and the end portion TE. As best understood in FIG. 6, the stitcher portion 5 is arranged to be inserted at or below the body ply 92 at or near the splice line S or radially inward thereof. A foot 51 is included. In this support position, the stitcher foot 51 faces and / or is aligned with the same height in the radial direction as the separator 4 in the stitching direction A. The stitcher foot 51 supports the tip portion LE and the end portion TE in the splice line S from within the separation space G. Thus, the stitcher foot 51 is arranged to support the front end portion LE and the terminal end portion TE from below the body ply 92 or on the inner side in the radial direction thereof. In this example, the stitcher foot 51 not only supports the front end portion LE and the end portion TE, but also preferably promotes the front end portion LE and the end portion TE to come together toward the splice line S. It includes a set of lower stitcher wheels 52 in the form of chamfered or frustoconical gears. Alternatively, the stitcher foot 51 may be formed by a rigid platform that supports the tip portion LE and the end portion TE by itself.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the stitcher foot 51 has a height H in the vertical direction N that is equal to or smaller than the separation distance D in this example. Thus, the stitcher foot 51 can be easily inserted in the stitching direction A into the separation space G between the work surface W and the splice line S without touching and / or damaging the work surface W. .

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the stitcher portion 5 is used for stitching the tip portion LE and the end portion TE while the tip portion LE and the end portion TE are supported on the stitcher foot 51 in the splice line S. A stitcher head 53 is further included. In particular, the stitcher head 53 presses the leading end portion LE against the end portion TE in the splice line S from above the body ply 92 or from outside in the radial direction thereof. In the present example, the stitcher head 53 includes a set of upper stitcher wheels 54, preferably in the form of a chamfered or frustoconical gear.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stitcher unit 5 includes a coupling member 55 that couples the stitcher foot 51 to the stitcher head 53. As best shown in FIG. 8, the coupling member 55 connects the stitcher foot 51 radially inward of or below the splice line S to a stitcher head 53 radially outward or above the splice line S. Preferably, it has a narrow or neck portion 56 that fits through a gap between the tip LE and the end TE. The coupling member 55 is connected to the tip portion LE and the end portion TE on the side of the stitcher portion 5 existing in front of the stitching in the stitching direction A so that the coupling member 55 exists in front of the closing gap during the stitching. Extending through the gap between. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6, the stitcher section 5 has a distance between the stitcher foot 51 and the stitcher head 53 in the adjustment direction Z, and in particular each lower stitcher wheel 52 and each upper stitcher wheel 54. An adjustment device 57 for adjusting the distance between the two is provided. Thus, each body ply 92 of different thickness can be received and stitched between the stitcher foot 51 and the stitcher head 53. The adjusting device 57 can be a hydraulic cylinder or a linear drive (not shown) that moves the stitcher head 53 relative to the coupling member 55 and / or the stitcher foot 51 in the adjusting direction Z.

  The stitcher section 5 includes a stitcher device 7 that is operatively coupled to each upper stitcher wheel 54 to drive each upper stitcher wheel 54. Each driven upper stitcher wheel 54 engages the body ply 92 at the stitching speed V2 in the stitching direction A along the splice line S while simultaneously stitching the leading end LE to the terminal end TE. The stitcher unit 5 is driven across the body ply 92. The stitcher drive 7 drives the stitcher unit 5 in a straight line or translation in the stitching direction A. Alternatively, each upper stitcher wheel 54 may be a passive or self-propelled wheel, in which case the stitcher drive 7 displaces the stitcher section 5 throughout.

  As schematically shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, both the separator drive 6 and the stitcher drive 7 are operatively and / or electronically coupled to the common control unit 8. The controller 8 is arranged to send control signals to the separator drive 6 and the stitcher drive 7 in order to control both drives 6 and 7 simultaneously. In particular, the control unit 8 is arranged to control the separator drive 6 and the stitcher drive 7 so that the separator 4 is drawn downstream or forward in the stitching direction A during the stitching. ing. This separator 4 is pulled in at a pulling speed V1 which is at least equal to and preferably larger than the stitching speed V2 of the stitcher section 5 in the stitching direction A. During the stitching, the separator 4 is constantly held in front of the stitcher portion 5 at the non-zero clearance distance or the clearance C. As a result, the separator 4 does not interfere with the operation of the stitch portion 5. However, the body ply 92 is not supported between the retracting separator 4 and the advance stitcher portion 5. Thus, in order to prevent loosening or loosening of the body ply 92 in the unsupported clearance C, this clearance C is preferably kept to a minimum or a minimum. Most preferably, this clearance C is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, and most preferably less than 2 cm.

  The method for stitching the tip LE and the end TE using the assembly 1 described above will now become apparent with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows the situation prior to stitching. The stitcher unit 5 has a work surface W
It is held ready at the standby position above. This separator 4 is fully retracted in the retracted position and is aligned with its corresponding guide 45 for subsequent disposition in the disposition direction B. The drum 2 is rotated into a position where the splice position of the body ply 92 is aligned with the separator 4 and / or the splice line S. An inner liner 91, optionally comprising each side wall 94, 95 to form a pre-assembly, is wound around the peripheral surface 22 of the drum 2 and forms a work surface W for the body ply 92.

  FIG. 2 shows a situation after the control unit 8 controls the separator drive 6 to move the separator 4 into the separation position. The separator 4 is guided by each guide 45 during the movement from the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1 to the separated position as shown in FIG. In this separating position, the separator 4 intersects or extends across the work surface at or along the splice line S. After the movement of the separator 4 into the separation position, the body ply 92 is wound around the peripheral surface 22 of the drum 2. First, the tip LE is received on the separator 4. Subsequently, the body ply 92 is wound directly on the work surface W of the inner liner 91 up to the terminal end TE received on the separator 4 like the front end portion LE. This separator 4 now supports and separates both the tip portion LE and the end portion TE from the work surface W toward or at the splice line S over the separation distance D. The leading end LE and the terminal end TE are now prepared for stitching.

  FIG. 3 shows that the control unit 8 controls the separator drive 6 so that the separator 4 is partially retracted in the stitching direction A and the front end LE and the end TE are exposed for engagement by the stitcher unit 5. Shows the situation. Subsequently or simultaneously, the stitcher foot 51 moves the stitcher part 5 into a support position extending in the stitching direction A into the separation space G below the exposed tip part LE and terminal part TE. The control unit 8 controlled the stitcher drive 7. In a state where the stitcher foot 51 supports the leading end portion LE and the terminal end portion TE exposed from the inside of the separation space G, the stitcher head 53 faces the stitcher foot 51 in a radial direction facing the stitcher foot 51. It is possible to move from the outside of the separation space G and fasten and / or press the leading end LE and the terminal end TE therebetween. Once the tip portion LE and the end portion TE are engaged by the stitcher portion 5, the stitcher portion 5 can further move in the stitching direction A to stitch the tip portion LE to the end portion TE.

  FIG. 4 shows that the control unit 8 simultaneously moves the separator drive 6 and the stitcher in order to move the separator 4 at the pulling speed V1 and to move the stitcher unit 5 at the stitching speed V2 in the stitching direction A along the splice line S. A situation in which both of the drives 7 are controlled is shown. As previously described, the control unit 8 is controlled so that the separator 4 stays in front of the stitcher part 5 at least during the stitching with the non-zero clearance C so that the separator 4 does not interfere with the operation of the stitcher part 5. Control both drives 6 and 7. The leading end portion LE and the terminal end portion TE are transferred from the separator into the stitcher portion 5 and released or supplied just prior to the stitcher portion 5 that stitches the leading end portion LE to the terminal end portion TE. Preferably, the clearance C between the separator 4 and the stitcher portion 5 where the tip portion LE and the terminal portion TE are not temporarily supported is kept as small as possible. Most preferably, the clearance C is kept constant along the splice line S at least during the stitching of the stitcher portion 5.

  FIG. 5 shows a situation after the stitcher unit 5 completes the stitching of the leading end LE to the terminal end TE. Once the leading end LE and the end TE are fully stitched, the separator 4 is further retracted into the retracted position as shown in FIG. 5, and the stitcher portion 5 is shown for the next stitching cycle. As shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to return to the standby position. The stitched body ply 92 may be adhered to the work surface W, in this example, the inner liner 91.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 differ from the above described first embodiment of the present invention only in that the separator 104 does not have a rigid body and instead includes a flexible band 140. Figure 3 shows an alternative assembly 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The flexible band 140 is arranged to be folded on itself or to be folded along the splice line S. The radially inner side of the folded flexible band 140 is placed on the work surface W, while the radially outer side of the folded flexible band 140 is the separation distance above the work surface W. In D, the front-end | tip part LE and the termination | terminus part TE are supported. The separation distance D is determined by the folded thickness of the flexible band 140, which in this case is on the order of 2 to 3 cm.

  The alternative assembly 101 includes an alternative separator drive 106 for pulling one of the two ends of the folded flexible band 140. The other one of the two ends is fixed. Thus, when the folded flexible band 140 is pulled by one of its two ends, the folded length of the flexible band 140 is reduced and the flexible band 140 is reduced. Is pulled in the stitching direction A. Also, the retracting speed V1 of this flexible band 140 is controlled by the controller 8 in the same manner as described in connection with the previous embodiment of the present invention, so that the flexible band 140 The band 140 remains in front of the stitcher portion 5 in the stitching direction A during the stitching.

  FIG. 9 shows an alternative assembly 101 prior to stitching. The flexible band 140 of the separator 104 was unrolled to the extent that it could be manually placed on the work surface W in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. This flexible band 140 now completely covers the work surface W, in this example the inner liner 91. The front end portion LE and the end portion TE are received by the separator 104 in the vicinity of the splice line S, and at the same time, the body ply 92 is wound on the work surface W. The leading end LE and the terminal end TE are now ready to be stitched.

  FIG. 10 shows the situation after stitching. The stitcher drive 7 has been controlled by the control unit 8 to move the stitcher unit 5 in the stitching direction A, and at the same time, the alternative separator drive 106 has two ends of the flexible band 140. One of the sections has been retracted, and the separator 104 has been retracted in front of the stitcher section 5 during stitching. As shown in FIG. 10, the flexible band 140 of the separator 104 is pulled into the retracted position beyond the body ply 92 in the stitching direction A.

  The advantage of the flexible band 140 is that it does not consume much space when it is retracted into the retracted position. It can be pulled substantially into the separator drive 106 or even pulled into it. Accordingly, the separator drive 106 can be mounted directly on the side of the tire building dig drum 2 or can remain attached during the rotation of the tire building dig drum 2. The separator drive 106 can therefore always be in the correct position aligned with the splice line S.

11A and 11B, the stitcher portion 205 includes a first drive member 271 for holding the stitcher portion 205 and a second drive member 272 for holding the first drive member 271. An alternative according to the third embodiment of the present invention that differs from the first and second embodiments of the present invention in that it is driven by an alternative stitcher drive 207. An assembly 201 is shown. The second drive member 272 is preferably formed as an elongate arm that is higher than the work surface W and extends in the stitching direction A. This first drive member 271 is mounted on the second drive member 272 via a sliding element 273, in particular a rail, and in the stitching direction A within the range defined by this sliding element 273, the second drive member 272
In contrast, it is slidable or movable back and forth. The alternative assembly 201 comprises a retract drive 274 for retracting the second drive member 272 in the stitching direction A at drive speed V3. The controller 208 is electronically coupled to both the pull-in drive 274 and the separator drive 6 and is arranged to match the drive speed V3 of the separator drive 6 to the pull-in speed V1. Accordingly, the second drive member 272 is retracted at a drive speed V3 that is equal to or substantially equal to the retracting speed V1 of the separator 4.

  Like each stitcher unit 5 that has already been discussed, the stitch unit 205 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a stitcher foot 251, a stitching head 253, and a wheel drive inside the stitching head 253 (see FIG. And a set of upper stitcher wheels 254 driven by a rotational speed K. Once each upper stitcher wheel 254 engages the material 91, 92 on the work surface W, the rotation of each wheel 254 occurs along the stitcher line S across the material 91, 92 at the stitching speed V2. Pull in part 205. The rotational speed K of each stitcher wheel 254 is such that the stitcher portion 254 is initially pulled over the materials 91 and 92 in the stitching direction A at a stitching speed V2 equal to or substantially equal to the pull-in speed V1. is there. However, during the stitching, the stitching part 205 faces a variable resistance due to contact with the materials 91, 92 on the work surface W, and the rotational speed K changes with respect to the rotational speed V1, for example, Start slowing down or speeding up. Accordingly, the stitching speed V2 is not constant, may change slightly over time, and / or does not necessarily remain equal to the pull-in speed V1.

  As a result of the speed difference V4 between the stitching speed V2 and the drive speed V3, the first drive member 271 starts to move back and forth along the sliding element 273 in the second drive member 272. Thus, this movement facilitates the absorption of the speed difference V4. The assembly 201 includes one or more sensors 275 to detect movement, speed difference V2 or position change X of the first drive member 271 relative to the second drive member 272 and / or the sliding element 273. It has. In response to each detection signal of one or more sensors 275, the controller 208 drives the second drive in the stitching direction A to compensate for each resistance variation and the resulting change in the stitching speed V2. It is arranged to increase or decrease the drive speed V3 of the member 272. The pull-in speed V1 changes in accordance with each change in the drive speed V3, and further keeps the gap between the separator 4 and the stitcher unit 205 substantially constant. As a result, each variation in the stitching speed V2 can be compensated within the range of the sliding element 273.

  It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of each preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations that will be further encompassed by the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In general, the present invention relates to an apparatus 1, 101, 201 and method for stitching, wherein the apparatus 1, 101 has a leading end LE and a terminal end TE at a separating position to form a separating space G. Separators 4 and 104 for separation from the work surface W are included, and the devices 1, 101 and 201 include stitcher feet 51 and 251 that support the front end portion LE and the end portion TE from the separation space G, and the separation space G. Includes stitcher units 5 and 205 having stitch heads 53 and 253 for stitching the front end LE and the end TE of the stitcher feet 51 and 251 from the outside. Stitcher drives 7 and 207 for driving 5 and 205, and a separator drive for retracting the separators 4 and 104 , 106 and during the stitching, the separators 4, 104 and the stitcher drives 7, 207 are simultaneously controlled so that the separators 4, 104 are pulled in the stitching direction A in front of the stitchers 5, 205. Parts 8 and 208.

Claims (25)

  An apparatus for stitching the tip of a tire component to the end of the same or another tire component along a splice line above the work surface arranged to support one or two tire components, The apparatus includes a separator for separating the tip and the terminal end from the work surface to form a separation space at a separation position, and the apparatus includes the tip and the tip in the splice line from the separation space. A stitcher foot arranged to support the end part, and a stitcher head arranged to stitch the tip part and the terminal part on the stitcher foot from the outside of the separation space. Including a stitcher portion, wherein the stitcher portion is configured so that the tip end portion sticks to the end portion. A stitcher drive for driving the stitcher portion in the stitching direction along the splice line while the separator is coupled to the separator to retract the separator in the stitching direction parallel to the splice line. And the device is operatively connected to and simultaneously controlled by the separator drive and the stitcher drive so that the separator is retracted in the stitching direction in front of the stitcher portion during the stitching. A device further comprising a control unit arranged to be suitable.   The control unit is arranged to control the stitcher drive to move the stitching unit at a stitching speed in the stitching direction, and the control unit is equal to or equal to the stitching speed of the stitching unit. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to control the separator drive during the stitching to retract the separator in the stitching direction at a higher retracting speed.   The stitcher head engages the tip and the end to be driven at a certain rotational speed, and at the stitching speed in the stitching direction, along the stitching line, the end and the end The apparatus of claim 1 including a set of upper stitching wheels arranged to retract the stitcher over a tip.   The stitcher drive includes a first drive member arranged to hold the stitcher portion and a second drive member to hold the first drive member, And a pull-in drive for retracting the second drive member in the stitching direction at a certain drive speed, wherein the control unit retracts the second drive member at a certain drive speed and is equal to the drive speed. Operatively connected to the separator drive and the retracting drive to retract the separator at a certain retraction speed, the first drive member being connected to the stitcher portion and the one or more during stitching. As a result of the variable resistance between the tire parts, the second door The eve member is movable back and forth with respect to the second drive member in the stitching direction to absorb the difference in stitching speed of the stitcher portion, and the assembly is the first drive relative to the second drive member. One or more sensors for detecting such a speed difference of the member or the position, wherein the controller is adapted to compensate for the difference in the stitching speed. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, arranged to control the drive speed of a member.   The control unit controls the separator drive and the stitcher drive to maintain the separator with a certain or substantially constant clearance in front of the stitcher unit in the stitching direction during the stitching. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged.   The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the stitcher part and the separator are arranged so as not to support the tip part and the terminal part in the clearance between the stitcher part and the separator during the stitching.   The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the clearance between the stitcher portion and the separator is minimal during the stitching.   8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein during the stitching, the clearance between the stitcher and the separator is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, most preferably less than 2 cm.   The separator is arranged to separate the tip and end from the work surface over a separation distance that is perpendicular to the work surface, and the stitcher foot is in the same vertical direction 9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device has a height that is equal to or greater than the height of the stitcher foot.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the separator is a rigid body or a substantially rigid body.   The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the separator is a bar or strip.   12. An apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the separator drive is coupled to the separator to retract the separator in the stitching direction in translational motion.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separator has flexibility.   The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the separator is a flexible band arranged to fold along the splice line.   15. The separator drive of claim 14, wherein the separator drive is coupled to one end of the flexible band by pulling the one end of the flexible band to retract the flexible band in the stitching direction. apparatus.   16. The assembly of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a tire building drum, wherein the work surface is the peripheral surface of the tire building drum or the peripheral surface of the tire building drum. An assembly that is the outer surface of a further tire component supported on a surface.   The tire building drum has a rotating shaft, the peripheral surface of the tire building drum extends concentrically around the rotating shaft, and the splice line extends in parallel or substantially parallel to the rotating shaft. 17. An assembly according to claim 16 present. In a method for stitching the front end of a tire part to the end of the same or other tire part along a splice line above a work surface arranged to support one or two tire parts, The method
Supplying a separator;
Separating the tip portion and the terminal portion using the separator at a separation position from the work surface to form a separation space;
Supplying a stitcher section having a stitcher foot and a stitcher head;
The tip and end are supported from the separation space using the stitcher foot in the splice line, and the tip and on the stitcher foot from outside the separation space using the stitcher head. Stitching the end portion;
Driving the stitcher part in a stitching direction along the splice line while the stitcher part stitches the tip part to the terminal part; and
A step of retracting the separator in the stitching direction in front of the stitcher portion.   The separator is pulled in the stitching direction at a certain pulling speed, the stitcher portion is moved in the stitching direction at a certain stitching speed, and the separator is at least equal to, preferably greater than, the stitching speed. The method of claim 18, wherein the method is retracted using a retract speed.   The stitcher head engages the tip portion and the end portion, and is driven at a certain rotational speed, and at the stitching speed in the stitching direction, along the stitching line, the end portion and the tip portion. The method of claim 18, comprising a set of upper stitching wheels that pulls the stitcher portion across.   The stitcher drive includes a first drive member that holds the stitcher portion and a second drive member that holds the first drive member, and the second drive member is configured to perform the above-described operation at a certain drive speed. Pulled in the stitching direction, the separator is pulled in the stitching direction at a pulling speed equal to or substantially equal to the drive speed, and the first drive member is one or more stitchers during the stitching. As a result of the variable resistance with the tire component described above, the second drive member is moved back and forth with respect to the second drive member in the stitching direction so as to absorb the difference in the stitching speed of the stitcher portion with respect to the second drive member. The first drive member moving and relative to the second drive member Such speed difference or the position is detected, and the method of claim 20, wherein the drive speed of the second drive member to compensate for the differences in the Institut quenching speed is controlled.   The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the separator is held with a constant or substantially constant clearance in front of the stitcher portion in the stitching direction during the stitching.   23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the tip and the end are not supported in the clearance between the stitcher and the separator during the stitching.   The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the clearance between the stitcher and the separator is minimal during the stitching. 25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein during the stitching, the clearance between the stitcher portion and the separator is less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, most preferably less than 2 cm.

Images